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they don't think the fiscal cliff is actually the marker of that. they think the debt ceiling is. that's made simply the ability to come to whatever deal they are going to eventually come to in the next couple of weeks as opposed to the next two or three months, a lot weaker. >> there are plenty of republicans concerned, particularly the economist side that these negotiations have huge ramifications for the american economy, as well, and global ramifications. the markets will respond badly if we go over the fiscal cliff. foreign investors will respond badly if america goes over the fiscal cliff at the end of this year. there's a sense, i'm hearing, increasing pessimism among republicans that say we can't afford to have these kinds of talks, even the stalling process doesn't look good for the country. >> there's other incentives that are bringing both republicans, especially the white house, to the table with respect to the fiscal cliff. we did reporting on this. >> your bosom buddy. >> yeah, but there's stimulus the white house wants as a result of the fiscal cliff deal. they don'
they don't think the fiscal cliff is actually the marker of that. they think the debt ceiling is. that's made simply the ability to come to whatever deal they are going to eventually come to in the next couple of weeks as opposed to the next two or three months, a lot weaker. >> there are plenty of republicans concerned, particularly the economist side that these negotiations have huge ramifications for the american economy, as well, and global ramifications. the markets will respond...
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Dec 7, 2012
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even as we are wrestling with trying to debt a handle on the fiscal cliff, we cannot lose sight of their urgent priority of making sure we have job growth -- job creation, to say the least. many of the components you have outlined -- that both of you have -- it comprised of the broad description of the fiscal cliff whether it is the expiring tax cut provisions, the expiring tax cut extensions, and spending cuts as well. if you consider more, which of those would you consider having the biggest bang for the buck in terms of economic impact of those that we are discussing here today? >> it is a given that we will extend the current tax rates for taxpayers that make less than $250,000 on an annual basis. that is absolutely necessary. when you consider the other things that are happening -- in terms of the bang for the buck, the emergency unemployment insurance program is very effective. it is small in the grand scheme of things. cbo is estimating it would costs per calendar year about $33 million. but the economic opportunity for job growth compared to the unemployment rate would be measura
even as we are wrestling with trying to debt a handle on the fiscal cliff, we cannot lose sight of their urgent priority of making sure we have job growth -- job creation, to say the least. many of the components you have outlined -- that both of you have -- it comprised of the broad description of the fiscal cliff whether it is the expiring tax cut provisions, the expiring tax cut extensions, and spending cuts as well. if you consider more, which of those would you consider having the biggest...
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Dec 6, 2012
12/12
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we've got the debate about the fiscal cliff and the debt ceiling and we're talking in the trillions. before you can even get to the trillions, if you can't stop stuff like this, does the american public ever believe that washington is going to get its act together if you can't stop this 100,000 here, million there, all, of course, adds up to billions. if we can't stop the zombies, taxpayers paying for the zombies, how can we ever tackle medicare and social security? [laughter] megyn: that's the thing that makes people upset, julie. all right, if you're going to increase my taxes to help pay down the debt, help people in need, that's one thing, but if i'm going to be paying for zombies or for santa to ride the $250,000 sleigh, i object. >> i'm a little embarrassed. can you imagine being an employee and having to pretended to be a zombie? >> those were actors. >> i don't know about that. [laughter] i think they may have been dhs employees dressed up. charles is right, thanksgiving a little ri -- this is a little ridiculous. i understand what they're trying to do, they're trying to get
we've got the debate about the fiscal cliff and the debt ceiling and we're talking in the trillions. before you can even get to the trillions, if you can't stop stuff like this, does the american public ever believe that washington is going to get its act together if you can't stop this 100,000 here, million there, all, of course, adds up to billions. if we can't stop the zombies, taxpayers paying for the zombies, how can we ever tackle medicare and social security? [laughter] megyn: that's the...
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Dec 11, 2012
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- gets to the fiscal cliff. here's what we know. we know that the president wants more stimulus spending and an increase in the debt limit without any cuts or reforms. that's not fixing our problem. frankly, it's making it worse. on top of that, the president wants to raise taxes on many small business owners. now, even if we did exactly what the president wants, we would see red ink as far as the eye can see. that's not fixing our problem either. it's making it worse and it's hurting our economy. i think the members know i'm an optimist. i'm hopeful we can reach an agreement. this is a serious issue and there's a lot at stake. the american people sent us here to work together toward the best possible solution and that means cutting spending. if the president doesn't agree with our approach, he's got an obligation to put forward a plan that can pass both chambers of the congress because right now the american people have to be scratching their heads and wondering when is the president going to get serious. i yie
- gets to the fiscal cliff. here's what we know. we know that the president wants more stimulus spending and an increase in the debt limit without any cuts or reforms. that's not fixing our problem. frankly, it's making it worse. on top of that, the president wants to raise taxes on many small business owners. now, even if we did exactly what the president wants, we would see red ink as far as the eye can see. that's not fixing our problem either. it's making it worse and it's hurting our...
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Dec 10, 2012
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plus, we'll talk fiscal cliff and debt ceiling with him. plus, one hatch of simpson-bowles. the erskine bowles half. the less dancing of the duo. why former chief of staff is growing more optimistic we'll be able to get a deal before the cliff dive. by the way, will he take a job in president obama's cabinet? i'll have that answer straight ahead. first, a look ahead at the president's schedule today. you can see it's michigan with the lunch time remarks. back to the white house before 5:00. [ male announcer ] when ziggy the cat appeared at their door, he opened up jake's very private world. at first, jake's family thought they saved ziggy, but his connection with jake has been a lifesaver. for a love this strong, his family only feeds him iams. compared to other leading brands, it has 50% more animal protein... ...to help keep ziggy's body as strong as a love that reaches further than anyone's words. iams. keep love strong. ♪ don't know what i'd do ♪ i'd have nothing to prove ♪ i'd have nothing to lose [ male announcer ] zales is the diamond store. take up to an extra
plus, we'll talk fiscal cliff and debt ceiling with him. plus, one hatch of simpson-bowles. the erskine bowles half. the less dancing of the duo. why former chief of staff is growing more optimistic we'll be able to get a deal before the cliff dive. by the way, will he take a job in president obama's cabinet? i'll have that answer straight ahead. first, a look ahead at the president's schedule today. you can see it's michigan with the lunch time remarks. back to the white house before 5:00. [...
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Dec 6, 2012
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fiscal cliff plan and the debt ceiling plan. what was he trying to do? >> guest: he was trying to embarrass the democrats. for instance, the president's plan on the debt ceiling was basically allowing the president to request whatever increases without the approval of congress and he thought that would embarrass democrats if they had to vote for it particularly endangered ones. >> sounded like leader reid took the bait. how the democrats respond? >> guest: there are a lot in politics going on here. we just talked about politics from mcconnell's side. democrats are aware that even if they allow -- even if they get the republicans to crumble on raising tax rates for upper bracket people there is still going to be a need next year, say march, to increase the debt limit and that was what john boehner used as is leverage a year-and-a-half ago in his talks with president obama so there's a belief on the part of democrats that they would like to get this idea in common circulation and also trying to manufacture some dialogue, the debt
fiscal cliff plan and the debt ceiling plan. what was he trying to do? >> guest: he was trying to embarrass the democrats. for instance, the president's plan on the debt ceiling was basically allowing the president to request whatever increases without the approval of congress and he thought that would embarrass democrats if they had to vote for it particularly endangered ones. >> sounded like leader reid took the bait. how the democrats respond? >> guest: there are a lot in...
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Dec 13, 2012
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even in the debt ceiling debate or the fiscal cliff negotiations that neither side will give and they're both being unreasonable. and really not drilling down. the other thing they do is they really go back to newt gingrich and grover norquist. as you've talked about both these things, changing the culture of washington and making compromise impossible. >> here's something really naughty, i think in terms of policy. who can forget back in august not a million years ago when the romney pollster neil newhouse said the following. we're not going to let our campaign be dictated by fact checkers. think about that. fact checkers meaning facts. >> right. >> i was on the show with you the other night. we talked about the quotes of the year. 47%. >> that's a good one. >> i thought this should be the top two of three. that showed their view towards reality. it was an arrogance that we can say whatever we want to say. and i think in years past, this is what's changed. campaigns would not be so brazen. if caught in a lie they maybe feel some shame. here's neil newhouse telling reporters that we don'
even in the debt ceiling debate or the fiscal cliff negotiations that neither side will give and they're both being unreasonable. and really not drilling down. the other thing they do is they really go back to newt gingrich and grover norquist. as you've talked about both these things, changing the culture of washington and making compromise impossible. >> here's something really naughty, i think in terms of policy. who can forget back in august not a million years ago when the romney...
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>> because if you think the fiscal cliff is fun, you'll love the debt ceiling. the economic havoc that is wreaked by the fiscal cliff is a very gradual thing, as you and have i discussed. going over it is a mistake. we shouldn't do it. but at least initially, if we can reverse it, it won't be so bad. if you default on the nation's debt on our treasury bills, that's not a fiscal slope. that's a cataclysmic economic event. not only are you stiffing creditors who believe they have invested in the safest debt in the universe, you're actually threatening to have to raise our interest rates through the roof in order to service our debt, which means absolutely a long-term recession. it's really quite a fatal step. >> "the wall street journal's" reporting that the white house is willing to do corporate tax reform in their new proposal. what do you think than in what do you think that might mean? >> i think it's a neat idea. the white house is actually articulated a fairly detailed corporate tax idea in a white paper that didn't get enough attention a few years ago. and
>> because if you think the fiscal cliff is fun, you'll love the debt ceiling. the economic havoc that is wreaked by the fiscal cliff is a very gradual thing, as you and have i discussed. going over it is a mistake. we shouldn't do it. but at least initially, if we can reverse it, it won't be so bad. if you default on the nation's debt on our treasury bills, that's not a fiscal slope. that's a cataclysmic economic event. not only are you stiffing creditors who believe they have invested...
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Dec 9, 2012
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. >> right now we are facing a fiscal cliff. last year we were facing the debt ceiling. before that, we were looking at several potential government shutdowns. at a different level, the appropriations process has not worked as intended for years. neither has the budget process. it seems like abnormal is the normal. that type of activity in this situation where we are already looking ahead to the next potential showdown, as he suggested, with the next debt ceiling altercation, this creates uncertainty, which is not good for the private sector and certainly is not good for the federal government in terms of its ability to function in a normal way. how can congress break out of this? >> do what we are hired to do and to appropriations in a timely manner. in virginia, we have a lot of defense contractors very concerned about sequester. many of them say, warner, warner, do simpson-bowles. everyone supports it, but no one has read it. but the top line numbers are almost the same -- next time you do a default, do not make it so awful. putting a gun to your forehead -- that is w
. >> right now we are facing a fiscal cliff. last year we were facing the debt ceiling. before that, we were looking at several potential government shutdowns. at a different level, the appropriations process has not worked as intended for years. neither has the budget process. it seems like abnormal is the normal. that type of activity in this situation where we are already looking ahead to the next potential showdown, as he suggested, with the next debt ceiling altercation, this creates...
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Dec 6, 2012
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it is best to figure out a way so you do not end up getting past this fiscal cliff by creating another one with the debt ceiling. the best way out -- we passed a bill yesterday on the floor, it passed 98-0. that does not make news. it came out of committee -- a defense authorization bill. you had a majority and minority that work together. all kinds of amendments that were agreed to and voted on. and it passed. that is what we have not been doing. we have had bills come out of both leader offices, airdrop on the floor, that are intended not to pass but to show differences. if we can just go through regular order, things would be just fine. >> they have regular order in the house. >> regular order in the house has not brought compromise. i would like to see things go to regular order. i am a big proponent of allowing them to work -- we do need to recognize that in the era of divided government, where you have one party in control of the white house and another in control of the house, you are going to have a lot of give and take. in that environment, commonplace is essential. if you go
it is best to figure out a way so you do not end up getting past this fiscal cliff by creating another one with the debt ceiling. the best way out -- we passed a bill yesterday on the floor, it passed 98-0. that does not make news. it came out of committee -- a defense authorization bill. you had a majority and minority that work together. all kinds of amendments that were agreed to and voted on. and it passed. that is what we have not been doing. we have had bills come out of both leader...
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>> let me add in here, judge, to your point that no congress has ever used the fiscal cliff. usual through debt ceiling as a bargaining point, which is what happened last year. this never dealt with. >> what would happen if the congress said no? the president would be forced to operate the federal government in money available to him. >> nobody said that to ronald reagan or the first george busher second george bush. >> democrats voted against raising the debt ceiling. >> but nobody has ever, ever stopped it and made it a point of then fiscal negotiation. only happened once. >> we have never been in treacherous, perilous fiscal circumstances as today. >> bret: top senate republican calling it quits was here on the set with us. the all-stars weigh in on that. surprising development next. initiated. neural speeds increasing to 4g lte. brain upgrading to a quad-core processor. predictive intelligence with google now complete. introducing droid dna by htc. it's not an upgrade to your phone. it's an upgrade to yourself. [ female announcer ] some people like to pretend a flood coul
>> let me add in here, judge, to your point that no congress has ever used the fiscal cliff. usual through debt ceiling as a bargaining point, which is what happened last year. this never dealt with. >> what would happen if the congress said no? the president would be forced to operate the federal government in money available to him. >> nobody said that to ronald reagan or the first george busher second george bush. >> democrats voted against raising the debt ceiling....
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i would prefer to keep the debt ceiling as far away from the fiscal cliff discussion as possible. if you intermingled them, we lose. guest: the debt ceiling is one of the most ridiculous policies we have. you can vote to spend more money and tax less and in the fact you are also voted to increase the amount the government borrows and you can refuse to raise the debt ceiling. we should be eliminating the debt ceiling. you automatically vote to raise the desolate when you vote to spend money. the idea that we have to go through this whole thing in february again is ridiculous. host: oklahoma, independent line, good morning. caller: this republican party is a joke. they have done nothing to work with this president. they are a bunch of southern republicans. they cannot handle a black man telling them from a leadership position. they take an allegiance to grover norquist. give me a break. the allegiance should go to the united states of america were host: is your solution? caller: i would get rid of all of them, that's what i would do, thank you. host: will leave the bear. -- we will
i would prefer to keep the debt ceiling as far away from the fiscal cliff discussion as possible. if you intermingled them, we lose. guest: the debt ceiling is one of the most ridiculous policies we have. you can vote to spend more money and tax less and in the fact you are also voted to increase the amount the government borrows and you can refuse to raise the debt ceiling. we should be eliminating the debt ceiling. you automatically vote to raise the desolate when you vote to spend money. the...
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host: if this is not addressed in the fiscal cliff debate, will it come up in the debt ceiling debate? guest: all of this depends on how the fiscal cliff sorts itself out. yesterday, you have senators say we want on income benefits extended. if the fiscal cliff debate is only limited to tax rates and deficit reduction, and not the debt ceiling, this will come up again. president obama once the debt ceiling to be part of this agreement. the reason why is simple, because that is where republicans have leverage in february. he needs republicans to extend the debt ceiling for the government to function with all going into default. republicans know this, and in theory they could separate the two to maximize their leverage. host: time for a couple more calls in this segment of the "washington journal," we will continue the unemployment insurance discussion in the following segment. laura is in louisville, kentucky, on the independent line. caller: good morning. what bothers me is when people say they actually can not find work and they have been on unemployment for 20 months, whatever they
host: if this is not addressed in the fiscal cliff debate, will it come up in the debt ceiling debate? guest: all of this depends on how the fiscal cliff sorts itself out. yesterday, you have senators say we want on income benefits extended. if the fiscal cliff debate is only limited to tax rates and deficit reduction, and not the debt ceiling, this will come up again. president obama once the debt ceiling to be part of this agreement. the reason why is simple, because that is where republicans...
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Dec 12, 2012
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in order to avert fiscal disaster by not raising the debt ceiling. he said he won't indulge in that. unfortunately, the president has also said he won't use or threaten to use the implicit authority many constitutional scholars think the president has to ignore the debt ceiling because the 14th amendment provision that says the full faith and credit of the united states will not be questioned. >> eliot: i wanted to pick up on that threat because while i'm not persuaded you would win that argument, it is a powerful argument. why do you think the white house took that issue off the table? they certainly could have used it as a negotiating ploy lingering out there saying look, pursuant to the constitution you just cited the provision the president must act to protect the full faith and credit of the united states. therefore i -- why did he not use that as a more powerful weapon? >> i don't know, frankly. there are constitutional scholars who say that the debt ceiling is unconstitutional. just the idea of the debt ceiling is unconstitutional because it c
in order to avert fiscal disaster by not raising the debt ceiling. he said he won't indulge in that. unfortunately, the president has also said he won't use or threaten to use the implicit authority many constitutional scholars think the president has to ignore the debt ceiling because the 14th amendment provision that says the full faith and credit of the united states will not be questioned. >> eliot: i wanted to pick up on that threat because while i'm not persuaded you would win that...
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Dec 5, 2012
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we have gone over the fiscal cliff here in california. we are billions of dollars in debt. democrats and the labor unions are bankrupting this state. if the democratic party is so good, then why are we bankrupt? don't you think it's time the unions, instead of spending billions of dollars on political campaigns give that money back to the membership so they can maybe pay their own wages and tax bears and people like me that live on fixed incomes don't have to be taxed out of our homes and lose the money we have worked hard to make? guest: you have worked hard. number one, i cannot comment on the california situation. i just don't know enough about it. reports are that things are starting to turn around a little over there. it's tough to pass a budget if when you have the fiscal majority requirement. second, how we got here, it's not unions. wages for americans have been going down the past 115 years. people are not keeping up with inflation. the average american worker has taken a 2011 pay cut when you compare what they made 10 years ago to what they're making now. -- $2000
we have gone over the fiscal cliff here in california. we are billions of dollars in debt. democrats and the labor unions are bankrupting this state. if the democratic party is so good, then why are we bankrupt? don't you think it's time the unions, instead of spending billions of dollars on political campaigns give that money back to the membership so they can maybe pay their own wages and tax bears and people like me that live on fixed incomes don't have to be taxed out of our homes and lose...
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cliff it is what the modern debate over the fiscal the country's fiscal problems and partially economic problems are centered around currently and that has really been centered around the issue of taxes for the top bracket some other things in there too but really this issue of let's play a clip of some of the talking points. we're going to have to see the rates on the top two percent go up and we're not going to be able to get a deal without it our members believe strongly that raising tax rates will hurt you come closer to the polls. especially those who are wealthy is a better way to raise this revenue they're raising right. ok so they don't agree on taxes for the top two percent of the country but bigger picture is this a thin representative of any kind of transform ational issue that will save the us economy or the ten flavors of debt that have accumulated to such a great extent well. a little snippets of debate between the pros of the republicans in congress are things the whole thing has a major element of farce. the democrats really don't want to cut spending very much they know
cliff it is what the modern debate over the fiscal the country's fiscal problems and partially economic problems are centered around currently and that has really been centered around the issue of taxes for the top bracket some other things in there too but really this issue of let's play a clip of some of the talking points. we're going to have to see the rates on the top two percent go up and we're not going to be able to get a deal without it our members believe strongly that raising tax...
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dave: what if it goes over the fiscal cliff? >> i call it a fiscal curb. think back, literally, we had to baja, the bp oil spill, nuclear meltdown, debt downgrades, greece, italy, spain, foreclosures, student loans, how many things do we have to get fearful about before we start to believe in this economy? it is not booming. i am not saying it is perfect, not saying it is 1980s again, is not but is growing 2% per year, maybe 2.2, two.three, and it keeps growing. we have not had a recession since march of 2009. >> it is media granddad as almost people feel. if we take the consumer back and put them in the jobs report we did see the number of hours increase as did wages. what do you make of that? does that give you hope? >> it does. if you look at car sales in november, automobile sales, fifteen million vehicles were sold in november. highest since december of 2007. that weakness we saw in cars and auto sales in october and retail sales, i think because of sandy it is going to be over. november and december will be great month for the consumer. i do have hop
dave: what if it goes over the fiscal cliff? >> i call it a fiscal curb. think back, literally, we had to baja, the bp oil spill, nuclear meltdown, debt downgrades, greece, italy, spain, foreclosures, student loans, how many things do we have to get fearful about before we start to believe in this economy? it is not booming. i am not saying it is perfect, not saying it is 1980s again, is not but is growing 2% per year, maybe 2.2, two.three, and it keeps growing. we have not had a...
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we're now in the middle of negotiations over the fiscal cliff. one element of this is are republicans going to be in this position, once again, to take the debt ceiling and the good faith and credit the u.s. hostage? president obama says we can't be in that position, again. and you are described, you, the press says, well, he said, listen. this is extraordinary. you ought to be talking about the damage caused by -- >> there's no doubt on this debt ceiling issue. look, this is part of the negotiations, this is in the middle of the, sort of the three tiered. they have a better chance of agreeing on taxes and entitlements than the debt ceiling. boehner who himself may agree, if we can't have this fight again because the business community will absolutely go crazy about it. he's got to bring back a political tool or some piece of victory. >> i would say, chuck, actually, the reporting now is better than it was a year ago. and some of what's happened is i think reporters have come to realize and many even republicans around that it's a party that went
we're now in the middle of negotiations over the fiscal cliff. one element of this is are republicans going to be in this position, once again, to take the debt ceiling and the good faith and credit the u.s. hostage? president obama says we can't be in that position, again. and you are described, you, the press says, well, he said, listen. this is extraordinary. you ought to be talking about the damage caused by -- >> there's no doubt on this debt ceiling issue. look, this is part of the...
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Dec 11, 2012
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related to the fiscal cliff, the last eight or nine meetings. and business leaders representing 32 states we have brought to the white house. the message they're getting is pretty consistent with simpson- bowles and with fixing the debt and with how the business relationship is characterized in the media. they're anxious for debt deal, because they want certainty as quickly as possible. they tend to use simpson-bowles as their frame of reference. the question is not whether it's the democratic or republican plan is better, is which plan is closer to simpson-bowles. host: here is the hill newspaper -- guest: well, [indiscernible] what we do is bring business leaders from around the country to brief the president and his economic team, on health care reform to immigration reform, the fiscal cliff, intellectual property protection. and the business leaders are speaking for themselves. generally speaking, business leaders are centrists, data driven, results oriented. they are looking for compromise in washington. is it a pro-obama group or republica
related to the fiscal cliff, the last eight or nine meetings. and business leaders representing 32 states we have brought to the white house. the message they're getting is pretty consistent with simpson- bowles and with fixing the debt and with how the business relationship is characterized in the media. they're anxious for debt deal, because they want certainty as quickly as possible. they tend to use simpson-bowles as their frame of reference. the question is not whether it's the democratic...
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Dec 7, 2012
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cliff is a stimulus program, rather stimulus by further tax cut but a 98 percent or for 100 percent, whether stimulus by extending the payroll --. >>neil: where is the stimulus in extending rates that are already there. >>guest: why, why, why are economists saying we could have a recession without dealing with the cliff live? by taking so much money out of the market by people who would be spending it or by cutting government spending, either by too large an increase in taxes or by too large a cut in government spending, they are saying that would reverse the economic recovery. the whole package was packaged. >>neil: let me ask where we stand now. i wanted to cut to the chase, and whether you think a deal will be done and what it will look like. >>guest: we will do a deal and we will do a deal that week between christmas and new years, so, i have made a proposal today that i hope can resolve the question of the debt ceiling. when congress authorizes appropriations bills we should authorize at that point whatever spending is necessary. if we are going to order from the menu we have to
cliff is a stimulus program, rather stimulus by further tax cut but a 98 percent or for 100 percent, whether stimulus by extending the payroll --. >>neil: where is the stimulus in extending rates that are already there. >>guest: why, why, why are economists saying we could have a recession without dealing with the cliff live? by taking so much money out of the market by people who would be spending it or by cutting government spending, either by too large an increase in taxes or by...
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fiscal cliff let's take the plunge in the l.a. times. he said the u.s. deficit and debt will fall, social security will go on unharmed and we'll go back to tax rates that were better than the current ones. what do you think? >> i certainly don't want something that will put us into a recession. that's more republican thinking. but i think ultimately pugh has a pole saying 53% of the american people will blame republicans, to which i can only imagine republicans saying, oh we're finally ahead in a poll. boner is like a slug there is a bright orange trail of cheat toe dust and bronzer leading from his office. >> stephanie: okay. here you go. >> so many people are going to part-time work and being hurt. everyone i know is already seeing cutbacks, and the economy is going to be disastrous and only going to get worse under obama. >> stephanie: by the way that was dexter von frisch? >> it was. >> stephanie: he just screams at ann coulters voice? >> it's like an earthquake he just screams before it happens. >> stephanie: kids carbonite backs up everything for y
fiscal cliff let's take the plunge in the l.a. times. he said the u.s. deficit and debt will fall, social security will go on unharmed and we'll go back to tax rates that were better than the current ones. what do you think? >> i certainly don't want something that will put us into a recession. that's more republican thinking. but i think ultimately pugh has a pole saying 53% of the american people will blame republicans, to which i can only imagine republicans saying, oh we're finally...
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to understand what's going on during the hopeless fiscal cliff negotiations rewind to 2011 when boehner and president obama came within inches of a grand bargain, a deal that would have forced both democrats and republicans to eat their vegetables. in its comprehensive analysis of what happens during the secret negotiations, matt bai wrote -- the deal unraveled in large part because speaker boehner could not get his unruly caucus to go along with raising new revenue. fast forward to this year and republicans now think that deal, the one they walked away from, sounds pretty good. they're using it as a basis for their current proposal. only problem. boehner had his chance. president obama now thinks he has the upper hand. according to the "washington post's" ezra klein, quote -- >> joining us now representative chris van hollen of maryland, ranking member of the house budget committee. great to have you on the program. >> great to be with you, alex. >> let's talk a little bit about 2011 versus 2012, which is to say, the republican party is a very different negotiating position than they w
to understand what's going on during the hopeless fiscal cliff negotiations rewind to 2011 when boehner and president obama came within inches of a grand bargain, a deal that would have forced both democrats and republicans to eat their vegetables. in its comprehensive analysis of what happens during the secret negotiations, matt bai wrote -- the deal unraveled in large part because speaker boehner could not get his unruly caucus to go along with raising new revenue. fast forward to this year...
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Dec 13, 2012
12/12
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one is the fiscal cliff, two is the debt ceiling, and, three, is the big deal that has to be on the debt and deficit. unfortunately, those issues get von -- convuluded, especially in this town. the fiscal cliff is an artificial date. congress came in, says this law expires on this date. they extended it, expires, put in the sequestering, saying it expires on this date. it is a date. all they have to do is extend the date and allow themselves the time to discuss the issues, and instead, they cram the issues in a lame duck session and letting congress that got unlighted decisions that should be made by the people who should be making the decisions. that's a problem. the fiscal cliff can have real consequences. cbo came out and said that it would cause recession if we go off the fiscal cliff. i don't dispute that, but i do point out the fact that in 1993 when the taxes were already put in, many said they would cause a recession. they did not. the economy is improving on its own right now, and getting somewhat stronger so the impact of the fiscal cliff, while not something to be encouraged,
one is the fiscal cliff, two is the debt ceiling, and, three, is the big deal that has to be on the debt and deficit. unfortunately, those issues get von -- convuluded, especially in this town. the fiscal cliff is an artificial date. congress came in, says this law expires on this date. they extended it, expires, put in the sequestering, saying it expires on this date. it is a date. all they have to do is extend the date and allow themselves the time to discuss the issues, and instead, they...
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Dec 5, 2012
12/12
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my second point is that even if we avoid short-term debt crisis, the so-called fiscal cliff, and i hope that we will, the debt in the years to come will increasingly dominate the budget. it will pressure defense and a in a serious way. so without addressing the long-term tenure solution as the animal outline, the defense budget is going to be under increasing pressure. that is inevitable and the interest rates have not even started going up, which is also inevitable at some point. the third one a month make is that the problems within the internal defense budget and the dynamics of this budget also make the problem more difficult and more complicated. it also requires a longer term to address some of these calls. first of all, the rising health care costs, and retirement costs and fuel inefficiency. each of those has their own complexities, but all are important. so the budget is going to have to be addressed, even if the topline is the one that is a rational topline. in other words, we have entitlements within the defense budget now which are comparable to the entitlements and all the
my second point is that even if we avoid short-term debt crisis, the so-called fiscal cliff, and i hope that we will, the debt in the years to come will increasingly dominate the budget. it will pressure defense and a in a serious way. so without addressing the long-term tenure solution as the animal outline, the defense budget is going to be under increasing pressure. that is inevitable and the interest rates have not even started going up, which is also inevitable at some point. the third one...
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Dec 6, 2012
12/12
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. >> right now we are facing a fiscal cliff. last year we were facing the debt ceiling. before that, we were looking at several potential government shutdowns. at a different level, the appropriations process has not worked as intended for years. neither has the budget process. it seems like abnormal is the normal. that type of activity in this situation where we are already looking ahead to the next potential showdown, as he suggested, with the next debt ceiling altercation, this creates uncertainty, which is not good for the private sector and certainly is not good for the federal government in terms of its ability to function in a normal way. how can congress break out of this? >> do what we are hired to do and to appropriations in a timely manner. in maryland, we have a lot of defense contractors very concerned about sequester. many of them say, warner, warner, a nuisance and-bowles. -- do simpson-bowles. everyone supports it, but no one has read it. but the top line numbers are almost the same -- next time you do a default, do not make it so awful. putting a gun to
. >> right now we are facing a fiscal cliff. last year we were facing the debt ceiling. before that, we were looking at several potential government shutdowns. at a different level, the appropriations process has not worked as intended for years. neither has the budget process. it seems like abnormal is the normal. that type of activity in this situation where we are already looking ahead to the next potential showdown, as he suggested, with the next debt ceiling altercation, this creates...
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Dec 9, 2012
12/12
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even as we are wrestling with trying to debt a handle on the fiscal cliff, we cannot lose sight of their urgent priority of making sure we have job growth -- job creation, to say the least. many of the components you have outlined -- that both of you have -- it comprised of the broad description of the fiscal cliff whether it is the expiring tax cut provisions, the expiring tax cut extensions, and spending cuts as well. if you consider more, which of those would you consider having the biggest bang for the buck in terms of economic impact of those that we are discussing here today? >> it is a given that we will extend the current tax rates for taxpayers that make less than $250,000 on an annual basis. that is absolutely necessary. when you consider the other things that are happening -- in terms of the bang for the buck, the emergency unemployment insurance program is very effective. it is small in the grand scheme of things. cbo is estimating it would costs per calendar year about $33 million. but the economic opportunity for job growth compared to the unemployment rate would be measura
even as we are wrestling with trying to debt a handle on the fiscal cliff, we cannot lose sight of their urgent priority of making sure we have job growth -- job creation, to say the least. many of the components you have outlined -- that both of you have -- it comprised of the broad description of the fiscal cliff whether it is the expiring tax cut provisions, the expiring tax cut extensions, and spending cuts as well. if you consider more, which of those would you consider having the biggest...
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Dec 5, 2012
12/12
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ceiling issue is part of this fiscal cliff discussion, which is interesting, because that is different than the plan that timothy geithner brought forth. in his plan they were going to try to raise the debt ceiling indefinitely. he said it would be terrible for them to have to go back and ask permission to continue the raise the debt ceiling because owe thinks it makes the creditworthiness of the united states in play and jeopardy. an interesting development from nancy pelosi. who knows whether or not she is central to the debate going on right now. bill: there will be another briefing on benghazi. the families of the four americans killed in that attack almost three months ago say they are still in the dark about what happened to their loved ones. the father of tyrone woods one of the former navy seals saying he learned more from witness accounts about how his son died than he did from the white house. new hampshire senator kelly ayotte member of the house services committee and the budget committee. welcome back to "america's newsroom." >> good morning, bill. bill: do the families ha
ceiling issue is part of this fiscal cliff discussion, which is interesting, because that is different than the plan that timothy geithner brought forth. in his plan they were going to try to raise the debt ceiling indefinitely. he said it would be terrible for them to have to go back and ask permission to continue the raise the debt ceiling because owe thinks it makes the creditworthiness of the united states in play and jeopardy. an interesting development from nancy pelosi. who knows whether...
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Dec 12, 2012
12/12
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you may recall that in the summer of 2011, we nearly went over the fiscal cliff by not paying our debts. that caused our bonds to be downgraded because we had an element within the republican conference that was willing to take us to the cliff and hold us hostage. when you look back and see historically that the debt ceiling was raised 17 times, under ronald reagan and eight times under george h. w. bush canada seven times under bill clinton and six times under george w. bush, really it is honoring the full faith and credit of the u.s. government. , iaching that to a debt understand ideologically why people might want to do that, but why would you take the nation to this process? there was a passage of a special select committee. that select committee, if it did not respond with further cuts and tax increases, would seek a so-called sequestration comoe spending domestic and military spending. already in congress we obscene that while the cuts have been made on the military side, some would say there's more to come and on the domestic side and others would argue there's more to come ther
you may recall that in the summer of 2011, we nearly went over the fiscal cliff by not paying our debts. that caused our bonds to be downgraded because we had an element within the republican conference that was willing to take us to the cliff and hold us hostage. when you look back and see historically that the debt ceiling was raised 17 times, under ronald reagan and eight times under george h. w. bush canada seven times under bill clinton and six times under george w. bush, really it is...
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the other night i left the fiscal cliff behind and took a walk through new york city. it was great. the lights, the christmas tree, rockefeller center, crowds of people with their children. was such a switch. "varney and company" will not walk away from the fiscal cliff but we will bring you the real america, the responsible america, the way it is and the way it ought to stay. i hope you all have a wonderful american weekend. test test. there is no mass-produced human. every human being is unique. and there is one store that recognizes it. the sleep nuer store. the only place in the world you'll find the extraordinarilcomfortable sleep number experience. an exclusive collectioof innovations that totally individualize your sleep. perfectly comfortable pillows that adjust to your size and shape. temperature-balancing bedding. dual warmth comforters. all designed around the sleep number bed: a bed with dual-air technology that alls you to adjust to the support your body needs. each of your bodies. in the name of human individuality: the sleep number collection. discover how our sleep p
the other night i left the fiscal cliff behind and took a walk through new york city. it was great. the lights, the christmas tree, rockefeller center, crowds of people with their children. was such a switch. "varney and company" will not walk away from the fiscal cliff but we will bring you the real america, the responsible america, the way it is and the way it ought to stay. i hope you all have a wonderful american weekend. test test. there is no mass-produced human. every human...
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Dec 11, 2012
12/12
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the longer the white house slow walks this process, the closer our economy gets to the fiscal cliff. here's what we do know. we know that the president wants more stimulus spending and an increase in the debt limit without any cuts or reforms. that's not physicianing our problem. frankly, it's making it worse. on top of that, the president wants to raise tax rates on many small business owners. now, even if we did exactly what the president wants, we would see red ink for as far as the eye can see. that's not fixing our problem either. it's making it worse, and it's hurting our economy. i think the members know i'm an optimist. i'm hopeful we can reach an agreement. this is a serious issue and there's a lot at stake. the american people sent us here to work together towards the best possible solution, and that means cutting spending. now, if the president doesn't agree with our approach, he has an obligation to put forward a plan that can pass both chambers of the congress because right now the american people have to be scratching their heads and wondering when is the president goin
the longer the white house slow walks this process, the closer our economy gets to the fiscal cliff. here's what we do know. we know that the president wants more stimulus spending and an increase in the debt limit without any cuts or reforms. that's not physicianing our problem. frankly, it's making it worse. on top of that, the president wants to raise tax rates on many small business owners. now, even if we did exactly what the president wants, we would see red ink for as far as the eye can...
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Dec 11, 2012
12/12
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but limiting or even charitable deductions could be part of a deal to avoid the fiscal cliff. one man of the tax policy center says given our national debt? sort of tax hikes are inevitable. >> one way is to tax the same income we have right now but get more revenue. the alternative is to tax more. get rid of the deductions and the exemptions, the things that reduce or taxable income. we tax more at today's rates and we bring in more revenue. >> reporter: itemized deductions are the first form of tax breaks on the table. used by 30% of tax payers they cost the government over $200 billion a year. about a fifth of this year's deficit. charitable donations alone cost $40 billion a year. but ending them is costly too. >> anybody who gives money away, taxes will go up. they'll pay more. that's what we're all about trying to get rid of these. but at the same time they'll likely give less to charity. if i don't get the deduction, it's going to cost me more after taxes to give away money. >> reporter: and say nonprofit leaders, if the rich stop giving, the poor stop getting. >> we're
but limiting or even charitable deductions could be part of a deal to avoid the fiscal cliff. one man of the tax policy center says given our national debt? sort of tax hikes are inevitable. >> one way is to tax the same income we have right now but get more revenue. the alternative is to tax more. get rid of the deductions and the exemptions, the things that reduce or taxable income. we tax more at today's rates and we bring in more revenue. >> reporter: itemized deductions are the...
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Dec 7, 2012
12/12
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CNNW
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that's complicating the fiscal cliff discussions. mitch mcconnell yesterday proposed a vote on a measure that would give the president the authority to increase the debt ceiling without congressional input. this is something that the white house has proposed as part of their fiscal cliff proposal. it's a nonstarter for republicans. but he wanted to put it on the floor to show that even democrats don't support giving the president that kind of authority. he did that and harry reid turned around and said, let's see if we can do it with a simple majority for 51 votes and democrats it appeared had made sure they had that and then mitch mcconnell in return ended up objecting to the very thing he propose eed. take a listen. >> now the republican leader objects his own idea. i guess we have a filibuster of his own bill. >> so this was some maneuvering that went on. mitch mcconnell won the day when he proposed a vote overall on the entire fiscal cliff proposal and harry reid objected to it. it's a little bit of a back and forth going on in t
that's complicating the fiscal cliff discussions. mitch mcconnell yesterday proposed a vote on a measure that would give the president the authority to increase the debt ceiling without congressional input. this is something that the white house has proposed as part of their fiscal cliff proposal. it's a nonstarter for republicans. but he wanted to put it on the floor to show that even democrats don't support giving the president that kind of authority. he did that and harry reid turned around...
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Dec 11, 2012
12/12
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that's not what the american people thought the fiscal cliff was about. they thought it was about trying to have something to force us, force our congress and our president to do something about the deficit and debt situation. everything they're talking about will make it worse. >> what's the answer? will we have the deal? >> the real answer is to have comprehensive. look at this. i as a republican, i would take raising the rates on the two top brackets if, in return, we had tax reform laid out over a period of months, if we had entitlement reform. we have to control defense spending. we have to control other no non- -- other discretionary non-defense spending. i think if you have the whole package, i would hold my nose despite the fact raising those two tax brackets is bad economics, bad for jobs, will hurt the economy, i would hold my nose to get the other done. what i wouldn't do is vote for that and do nothing else. >> agree completely. what i've been saying here. steve rattner. >> i agree completely. to get a big deal we all have to hold our nose a l
that's not what the american people thought the fiscal cliff was about. they thought it was about trying to have something to force us, force our congress and our president to do something about the deficit and debt situation. everything they're talking about will make it worse. >> what's the answer? will we have the deal? >> the real answer is to have comprehensive. look at this. i as a republican, i would take raising the rates on the two top brackets if, in return, we had tax...
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Dec 5, 2012
12/12
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cliff but alan simpson managed to do it with a video promoting had is campaign to fix the debt. >> stop instagramming your breakfast and tweeting your problems and getting on youtube so you can see gangnam style. ♪ and start using those precious social media skills to go out and sign people up on this baby, three people a week, let it grow, and don't forget take part or get taken apart. by these old ones will clean out the treasury before you get there. ♪ >> [ inaudible ]. >> the lasso again and then the horseback. horse horse. the cowboys ride. >> it made my day. i had to share it with you. chris cizilla an msnbc contributor and managing editor of post politics.com and susan page, washington bureau chief for "usa today." hello. alan simpson never fails. >> i was instagraming, andrea. i was busy instagraming. >> chris, maybe this do broke through. put him on the road, have him go door to door. >> my favorite part of the video which i have watched approximately 1,000 times is when he says at the end, so another lasso then. >> and he is a man who knows his lassos. cody, wyoming. chris
cliff but alan simpson managed to do it with a video promoting had is campaign to fix the debt. >> stop instagramming your breakfast and tweeting your problems and getting on youtube so you can see gangnam style. ♪ and start using those precious social media skills to go out and sign people up on this baby, three people a week, let it grow, and don't forget take part or get taken apart. by these old ones will clean out the treasury before you get there. ♪ >> [ inaudible ]....
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Dec 5, 2012
12/12
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let me, let me say that thetive of not producing a solution to this debt crisis, the so-called fiscal cliff, could bring about the sequestration that is the slicing of the military right in half. that would be a disaster in many respects. across the world people would see we can't handle our own country well, our own defense well. people across the world would see us failing to fulfill the duty of the constitution to provide for the national defense that's up to congress to do that. but after we get this done -- and let's hope that it does come to pass -- a second challenge is out there, and that's the challenge to glue together a strategy that will keep this country safe and secure. back in the 1947 era george key man sent what's known as the long telegram from moscow to the white house spelling out the rise of the soviet union and its intentions. president truman, my fellow missourian, and his staff glued together the containment strategy which stayed in effect through admiral -- excuse me, through general eisenhower's presidency and later until, as you know, the wall in berlin came
let me, let me say that thetive of not producing a solution to this debt crisis, the so-called fiscal cliff, could bring about the sequestration that is the slicing of the military right in half. that would be a disaster in many respects. across the world people would see we can't handle our own country well, our own defense well. people across the world would see us failing to fulfill the duty of the constitution to provide for the national defense that's up to congress to do that. but after...
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Dec 12, 2012
12/12
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the president is address the fiscal cliff, we're dealing with the debt and deficit. this is not about getting through this next month, this is about trying to solve the issues that we face as a nation today and that is the debt and deficit that we face. the president is very fond of talk about the math. let me give you a few things dealing with the math. 2012 will be the third highest revenue receipt into the united states government ever in the history of our nation. the third highest revenue ever received in the hithsroif the united states is coming in in 2012. in this down economy, as paychecks are smaller, federal revenue continues to increase. the president is very focused on trying to get the clinton tax rates but he ignores the clinton level of spending. what we've got to address is a trillion dollar deficit here. if wrp back at the clinton level of spending this would solve the issue that we're dealing with today. so we've got to find a way to address the real driver and real issue that we're facing, that is the spending. until we address that, it's not going
the president is address the fiscal cliff, we're dealing with the debt and deficit. this is not about getting through this next month, this is about trying to solve the issues that we face as a nation today and that is the debt and deficit that we face. the president is very fond of talk about the math. let me give you a few things dealing with the math. 2012 will be the third highest revenue receipt into the united states government ever in the history of our nation. the third highest revenue...
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Dec 10, 2012
12/12
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cliff talks, but also to this longer-term issue of debt and deficit and economic growth. i was asked today to focus a little bit on what might be possible in terms of tax reform. i know tax reform and health care reform are the two topics we're discussing this morning and, again, i look forward to hearing from gene and also this distinguished panel behind us. with regard to the tax and health care reform issues, i'll make a simple point which is that if we go through this fiscal cliff discussion and do not take advantage of that opportunity to put in place reforms to the entitlement programs which are incredibly important but also up sustainable, and if we do not take advantage of it to look at our tax system which is antiquated, outdated, inefficient, we will have swappedderred the opportunity to really -- squanders the opportunity to address the long-term problem. we'll be right back on the cliff again. so the first fiscal cliff is approaching, we have to address it. if we do not, we'll see about $500 billion in tax increases, we'll see huge across the board arbitrary c
cliff talks, but also to this longer-term issue of debt and deficit and economic growth. i was asked today to focus a little bit on what might be possible in terms of tax reform. i know tax reform and health care reform are the two topics we're discussing this morning and, again, i look forward to hearing from gene and also this distinguished panel behind us. with regard to the tax and health care reform issues, i'll make a simple point which is that if we go through this fiscal cliff...
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Dec 13, 2012
12/12
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cliff only to extract more revenue for the federal government. by the way, not revenue necessarily used to pay down the debt or to sustain and preserve our programs like medicare and medicaid, but yet to expand spending even further. well, i hope only -- i hope that cooler heads will prevail. one final thought. when you -- when i talk to people all across the country who tell me they're watching us here in washington to see what we're going to do, it is the uncertainty that's freezing them into place and preventing them from starting new businesses, growing existing businesses, or making investments that will help grow the economy. the saddest part about this is how manufactured this crisis really is. all of these decisions were kicked off until after the election, into this so-called lame-duck session, and this crisis, this fiscal cliff cris crisis, was manufactured, as i say. we should have tackled these challenges a long time ago to give american families and american businesses the certainty they need in order to plan for the future. instead,
cliff only to extract more revenue for the federal government. by the way, not revenue necessarily used to pay down the debt or to sustain and preserve our programs like medicare and medicaid, but yet to expand spending even further. well, i hope only -- i hope that cooler heads will prevail. one final thought. when you -- when i talk to people all across the country who tell me they're watching us here in washington to see what we're going to do, it is the uncertainty that's freezing them into...
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Dec 7, 2012
12/12
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you'd see on one level at the abstract level, debt, deficits, fiscal cliff, and then a transition into the to do list, which is where they would like to see effort. finally, with all of this battering that people have taken during this last few years of difficult economy, we gave voters -- will go to this question in detail -- which gave them a choice, short-term, pragmatic solutions to fix the problem or long-term visionary policies that will put us on the right track interestingly enough, people are thinker -- people are thinking longer term. it is different for different groups, but generally speaking, people are looking for a longer horizon. quickly, the mood of the country, you see the red track, the wrong track. you see it is still 50% believe the country is on the long trek, but you see improvement since where we were in the middle class in the late fall of 2011. that is when it really bottomed out. that was around the time of the debt ceiling debate. only 32% of democrats said right direction in to douse 11. if you look at it, democrats are 77%. if you move to the left side of
you'd see on one level at the abstract level, debt, deficits, fiscal cliff, and then a transition into the to do list, which is where they would like to see effort. finally, with all of this battering that people have taken during this last few years of difficult economy, we gave voters -- will go to this question in detail -- which gave them a choice, short-term, pragmatic solutions to fix the problem or long-term visionary policies that will put us on the right track interestingly enough,...
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Dec 5, 2012
12/12
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here we go with the fiscal cliff and the debt and now they vote down the disabilities act right in front of bob dole in a real wheelchair. we're just like wow. >> absolutely. if anyone wants to make a music video using this song as the background alluding to all of that stuff you're talking about you know, i'm not going to say no. >> stephanie: there you go. >> i can't speak for viacom's lawyers. >> stephanie: no. >> but i'm not going to say no. >> stephanie: here's a fun fact. co-wrote ten of the album songs. who is so handsome and rowic and talented. >> thank you. >> don't be a jerk dates from 2009. the joe wilson thing was happening. it just seemed like rudeness and you know, the lack of manners and civil discourses breaking down. you know, my cowriter, andy and i came up with this phrase, how about a song don't be a jerk, it's christmas. it wasn't jerk as you know, stephanie. it begins with a d and ends with a k and ends with flick but -- >> stephanie: yes. >> three years later it is a whole spongebob christmas album where we have a whole bunch of other songs. one done in street corn
here we go with the fiscal cliff and the debt and now they vote down the disabilities act right in front of bob dole in a real wheelchair. we're just like wow. >> absolutely. if anyone wants to make a music video using this song as the background alluding to all of that stuff you're talking about you know, i'm not going to say no. >> stephanie: there you go. >> i can't speak for viacom's lawyers. >> stephanie: no. >> but i'm not going to say no. >> stephanie:...